The Good Guys Wear White Hats

Lately I've been honing in on being a Good Samaritan or in Texas, we would say "being one of the good guys that wear white hats”. My Texas nephew is one of those good guys. This is Robert and Becky Wheat. I stay amused with following him on Facebook. He proudly wears his white hat most all the time except when he’s in church – and he’s in church a lot, as a beloved Texas Baptist pastor. And, he is always finding great photo opportunities to spot the hat in a location that makes for a hilarious and/or meaningful FB post. I had a great time scrolling through his FB timeline to snatch some of his photos. You’ll see wit and his passion for Christ in them. He is definitely one of those good guys that wears a white hat -- he is compassionate, kind, sensitive and is quick to meet the needs of others. I’m so proud of him and his love for Christ, his heart for sharing the Good News, as well as being an incredible role model for others. He makes me want to get a white hat – if that could help!

I remember the good ole' days when good manners, courtesy, politeness, compassion, concern for each other, patriotism, kindness, respectfulness, graciousness, consideration, and thoughtfulness were the norm. In reality, all those qualities are still right here. It's easy to recognize those who have those qualities. They may not (literally) wear white hats, but they are those white-hat-kind-of-people out there. Let's face it -- times really haven't changed that much because there were always those who leaned toward the wild side -- the mean, ornery, and disrespectful side -- those who could find something negative in every situation, instead of looking for, finding the good and even BEING the good..

Deep inside of most everyone is a "white-hat-wearing" loving and kind somebody. They came into this world "wearing a white hat" -- well, sort of. They were pure and precious. I often wonder what happened to those pure and precious babies who eventually lost their "white hats"? What is in their past that created someone so opposite -- their upbringing, their loss of a value system, their choice of friends? What was it that changed them from "loving God, respectfully loving others and living with kindness and honor"? It’s hard to believe how polar opposite we can be. Upbeat, celebratory and happy or rivalry, nasty, and bitter. I get that people are afraid, angered, upset, and confused about this world we live in, but we can change "our little world" if we want to.

We can lean in closer to God Who can change us and make us new. He is delighted to give out "white hats" to His kids. We can be devoted followers of Christ Who replace our meanness for kindness and our ugly talk to love talk. My Mama said it best, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!"

My Mama and Mother Teresa had a lot in common when it comes to loving and caring. Here's the way Mother Teresa put it:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa

You, know, I think Mother Teresa must have owned a white cowgirl hat because she sure did talk the talk and walk the walk that most of those folks in white hats seem to do. I'm thinking I need to go on a shopping spree for a white hat!

Oh, But for the Mercy of God!

I’ve heard people say “Lorrrd, have mercy!” as a quick retort when yet another “I can’t believe it” circumstance happens. In reality, that is what we should say, rather pray, anytime we encounter a roadblock, a rock landslide, “rocked my world” or rock crazy situations going on in our world. God is our ROCK in all of life's ups and downs and His DIVINE MERCY is at our beckoned call when tough times come or when we are the ones who made a huge mistake and created the tough times.

Today is “Divine Mercy” Sunday – a time that is specifically dedicated to the great gift of the Lord’s mercy and love. God's “Divine Mercy” was given in His covenant as He promised protection, provision, guidance, and His constant presence to His children. Because God is the initiator, the mercy He gives is gracious, unmerited, undeserved, is compassionate and leads to forgiveness, and to the steadfast love that God sustains in our relationship with Him.

Thank God, we are no longer defined by our past because God's mercy is real and available. Of course, we celebrate His mercy every time we cry out to Him for mercy when we have failed Him. And, mercy should be a part of every Christian's life when we have been hurt by someone. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7).

Think about it – after Jesus rose from the dead, He went to His disciples where they were huddled in fear. He could have gone in and started in a rant about their weaknesses and their failures. He could have displayed His disappointment in their betrayal and denial of Him. His first words could have been, “Thanks…. for NOTHING! What were you thinking? Where were you when I needed you?” He had every right to unload His righteous indignation on them. But, no, His first words to them were “Peace be with you”. Isn’t that the way He continues to speak to us – in spite of our mistakes & failures? He loves us unconditionally and speaks “Peace be with you.” Yes, He is a God of divine mercy!

None of us need to be defined by our past because Divine Mercy is open to us all. Whether our sins are small or great, the mercy of God is available to all of us. The mercy of God is real! The mercy of God is His love! The mercy of God is the power of the resurrection still working today. You are not your past. Believe in it! Embrace it! God’s Divine Mercy forgives, forgets and even forges the way to becoming all God destined for us in the first place. So, shouldn't His example cause us to be His people of mercy, too -- forgiving and loving others with mercy? Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Welcome to the World – Our New Baby Foal!

There is nothing to compare with the joys of new life – of a baby – and, in my grandson’s opinion – a donkey baby (foal). What the family didn’t know when they added two little miniature donkeys, Firecracker and Molly Grace, to their family in January, that one of them could be “expecting”. They only hoped that there would be an addition to the family sometime in the future.

As the days went by, it looked like Firecracker’s middle was growing bigger and bigger. Last month, while I was there, a vet came out and assured us, that a baby foal was on the way and could be here anytime from then to December.

Friday night, Shawntel and Bryson went out to check on the donkeys and they could only see Molly Grace (the other donkey) by herself and she was loudly hee-hawing. It was like she was calling for help and it wasn’t like her at all to be away from Firecracker. They are always side by side. Then they saw Firecracker and another little shadow, and there was our new baby – all legs and ears and as Shawntel put it, that “he’ll have to grow into”. There was no rushing Firecracker to do anything she wasn’t ready to do – her baby’s debut came when the natural process of birthing was ready. Oh, the miracle of God’s creation.

My first thought, when I saw the photos yesterday morning, “How in the world was that big baby in that tiny mama, and how in the world did she deliver that baby all on her own?" Again, oh, the wonders of God’s creation. Needless to say, there is joy and celebration in the Wuerch household. Baby immediately knew where to go for nourishment. The family gathered up the baby with mama and put them in the barn for safe-keeping.

Yesterday morning, in the light of day, the family Face-Timed me and I was able to see my new little grand-donkey firsthand. Witnessing Bryson cuddling and loving him brought such joy to my heart. What a wonderful birthday present for Bryson – he turns 11 this Friday, on November 17th.

There are few things in life that are as sweet as a birth. We ooh and aww at newborn babies – both human and animal life. We recognize the miracle of birth and as those little ones grow up, they’ll soon crawl and before long, they’ll walk. Not to be a boasting Nana, but DID YOU NOTICE my little pride and joy, grand-donkey was already walking at one hour of life? How’s that for something to talk about? LOL! What a glorious job God does with His creation.

That little Mama donkey has such love and care for her baby. She nudges him along ever so gently. There’s so much we can learn from the animal kingdom. I’m quite sure they are closer to God than we give them credit for. We like to think that our ability to feel and understand emotions is unparalleled, but watching God’s timing of the seasons, the instincts of animals and other creatures, I’ve come to realize His perfect plan for everything gives us a sense of confidence and peace that all things will work out in our lives.

I’ve watched Bryson and his love for his animals and have been so impressed with his understanding of responsibility and accountability. Not only have his animals taught him to be compassionate, but it has had such a direct effect on who he is as such a sweet, caring, compassionate, and tender-hearted boy. I tell him often, “You are going to be such a great daddy someday!” And, I know he will. In the meantime, Bryson will continue to grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man……and all of his animal kingdom friends.

What Kind of Influencer Are You?

A few days ago my daughter told me about an unfortunate incident at the tennis courts in their community. A young man was "hogging" one of the courts and refused to allow other residents in the area to play. Typically, there is a one-hour game play, and when others are waiting for the court, the players let others take their place after an hour. Not in the case of this young man. He was adamant that he didn't have to quit, and his nasty attitude was seen by many people wanting to play. Before long, the father of that young man showed up and, likewise, his attitude was even more offensive than the son's. Obviously, the young man was influenced by his disagreeable father. Like father -- like son.

Let's think about what kind of an INFLUENCER we are to those around us. Do we influence others to be better, act better and live better lives by the way they see us living ours?

Here's a way we can measure: We go throughout our day and people get to know us and they see how we treat those around us....from our children, to our spouse, to our co-workers, to the cashier at a store -- we're being watched in how we act (and react) in situations of calm, as well as those of stress. Do we act entitled or are we kind, generous and compassionate, whether we focus on THEM and give them our undivided attention (put down those cell phones!), or not. And also....if we're meeting someone for a lunch or appointment, are we showing up on time? Do we respect the time of others? All of that life example matters.....and it speaks volumes.
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Abraham Lincoln noted that "actions speak louder than words." Even his words, among the most eloquent in political history, would not have been effective if his life had contradicted his words. We don't have to be high profile, in the spotlight, or in a noteworthy position, but we do have to live in such a way that our life illustrates our faith. And our faith is best spoken by our actions.

Excellence is a biblical imperative: "And you, yourself, must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (Titus 2:7)

Little and big eyes are watching us daily. Our lives represent a BOOK of manners, courtesy, honor, integrity and character that others need to see and become. What does your book look like?

Animal Lovers & People Lovers -- Let's Unite!!

I was having my early-morning devotion on the Wuerch Family’s back patio when Bryson, my 10 year old joined me. Oh how I love that boy and the “talks” we have. We started talking about how crazy the world seems and what a shame it is that people are being so ugly to each other. I said, “You know, Bryson, that’s not the way God created us to be. In the beginning He created the Garden of Eden. In fact it looked just like this (I pointed to the backyard). It was so peaceful and beautiful.. But Adam and Eve disobeyed God. They ate the apple from the one tree that He said they shouldn't eat from. Ever since then we’ve been doing things that God says not to do. He told us to love and be at peace. And what does God’s people do? We argue and complain and dislike each other. We take ourselves out of the Garden of Eden because of those kinds of mistakes.” Then Bryson gave his profound response to my Bible lesson and insights. “Nana, there wasn't concrete in the Garden of Eden. There wasn't a basketball court. There were no houses.” Oh my goodness. That boy. My joy.

Actually, Bryson does bring a little Garden of Eden to me as he represents so much peace to me. I accompany him to see after his animals – the longhorn, a barn cat, five goats and two miniature donkeys: Molly and Firecracker. By the way, there will be a baby arriving to the Wuerch’s animal kingdom in October. Firecracker is “with child….rather foal”.

Then there’s Bentley, their dog. Bryson loves all animals with all his heart. A garden snake was in their yard and Brennan was about to kill it, when Bryson stepped in to save the day for the snake. He has built-in compassion for animals.

Bryson and I took Brennan to his baseball game on Sunday, with spare time to visit the “Austin Pet Alive” animal shelter. They are a part of a network of shelters that have rescued over 2,000 dogs and cats from abandonment after Hurricane Harvey. Hundreds are at the Austin location. They are scrambling to reunite the pets to their owners. I saw so many loving volunteers there who didn't seem to notice all the loud barking. Neither did Bryson. He said, “Nana, I think I’m in heaven!”

I don't profess to being an animal lover, but I appreciate the love people have for their pets, My compassion extends more to people. The key word here is compassion. I know people who treat their pets like family. I see those heart-wrenching times when a family’s beloved pet passes away. I see how people get indignant when animals are abused and they talk about it passionately on social media. I understand that people get attached to animals for a number of reasons, but it’s mostly a combination of their biology and need for affection. As for the biology, when people touch and look at their pet, it makes their brain release chemicals that makes them feel good. The need for affection boils down to the fact that pets offer unconditional love. And unconditional love feels good.

Preferring a dog over humans seems absurd to me, but I know those beloved pets are always there for their owners. Sweet Bentley in the Wuerch household, lives for our contact with him. He will never disparage us. He has no hidden motives. He gives consistent, unconditional love. He only barks when someone comes to the front door but welcomes them with a wag and a kiss and laying on his back for a tummy rub. He’ll also be a great consoler to you if you need it, because he’ll jump up by you to keep you company.

I started this post today with “God’s creation and beauty that He made for you and me.” We got it messed up when we humans lost our compassion for each other. You know that part that says “Love your neighbor as you love yourself; be kind to each other – tender-hearted with mercy – forgiving one another.”

Somewhere, along the way, we became consumed with judgementalism instead of gratefulness. I’m liking the sound of a dog’s life where we simply show up for each other and give each other consistent, unconditional love. That sure makes the animals sound like they have a lot more of the character of God than we do. Our great, unconditional loving and compassionate God is consistent – never changing – and is the great consoler when we need His love the most. No wonder my grandson loves animals. Just maybe, his love, is the Father’s love for all of mankind. I’m going to think like that and desire to be like that. How about you?

LOVE Forgives

Yesterday, my post was about apologizing, saying AND meaning those words, "I'm so sorry!" Today's is the reciprocating action.....being fast to forgive. How is that possible when we may have been hurt so deeply?

I've read many incredible stories about people who forgave in the most heart-wrenching situations, especially when forgiving would seem so unnecessary on a human level. The drunk driver whose thoughtless ways resulted in the death of a spouse or child, but the family member forgave the killer. Or the one who was betrayed by their spouse but in God's love, the other spouse forgave. And, today they have a dream-come-true marriage together.

On October 2, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts walked into an Amish school in rural Pennsylvania and shot ten young school girls, killing five of them. On the same day of the shooting, a grandfather of one of the girls who had died, told other relatives, "We must not think evil of this man." Another member of the community visited the shooter's family that day to comfort them and offer forgiveness. Dozens more attended his funeral and offered to give financial support to his widow. One member of the community later said, "I don't think there's anybody here that wants to do anything but forgive and not only reach out to those who have suffered a loss, but to reach out to the family of the man who committed these acts."

I heard it quoted: "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." Unwillingness to forgive only eats away at our hearts and souls, while forgiveness frees us. No greater forgiver was Jesus Christ -- Who after the lies, the rejections, the beatings, the denials and the pain, said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

When we have been hurt, we face the same challenge that those who we've hurt faced. Will we respond with kindness, compassion and forgiveness? And, will forgiving become a way of life for us? The Apostle Paul said, "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." Ephesians 4:32. Sure seems like a tall order, but one that comes with sweet rewards. We can move on with our life, have freedom from the pain of the past, enjoy greater happiness in the present and greater health and well-being. I'd say that's a good pay-back!

Don't Be Ashamed of Your Story

CHAZOWN is a Hebrew word for vision, purpose, destiny -- and it's what God had in mind for us when He created us. Each one of us was placed on earth for a unique purpose that's solely ours to fulfill. I was once a participant, but this weekend I was a veteran volunteer at the Chazown experience at LifeChurch.tv Jenks Campus. What a tremendous opportunity it is to discover what God had in mind when He made us. As a volunteer, we casually walk about the room to answer questions and give practical explanations to attendees, because "we've been there".

Yesterday, a man signaled for my help. He couldn't figure out what his core values are. I asked to see his timeline (those are the people, experiences and events -- good and bad -- that played an important role in our life). Immediately, my eyes fell on "Mom & Dad divorced". My immediate response was "Mom & Dad divorced -- what about the core value 'compassion'? Could you possibly be more compassionate to a young person when you hear that their parents divorced, too?" He had an "Aha" moment. The lights came on for him. He got it. The pains of our past and present may seem isolated at the time.....but God has a way of making those things turn out for good....not only for us....but for those we are called to inspire and help.

St. Paul so aptly put it...."That I might comfort others with the same comfort that I have been comforted with." II Corinthians 1:4. What does your past look like? Full of hurt, disappointment, rejection, defeat? But you survived it....by the grace of God? Could it be that those hurts and tests and messes are the very things that God desires to use to catapult you into a teaching/consoling/caregiving ministry -- or, at the very least to be more compassionate to those in your world? And then, for sure, we'll be able to say "Indeed, ALL things really do work for my good....." Romans 8:28

What Does Your Book of Influence Look Like?

Are you an INFLUENCER to those around you.....and what does that "influence" look like? Does it influence others to be better, act better and live better lives?

Here's a way to measure: We go throughout our day and people get to know us and they see how we treat those around us....from our children, to our spouse, to our co-workers, to the cashier at a store -- we're being watched in how we act (and react) in situations of calm, as well as those of stress. Do we act entitled or are we kind, generous and compassionate, whether we focus on THEM and give them our undivided attention (put down those cell phones!). And also....if we're meeting someone for a lunch or appointment, are we showing up on time? Do we respect the time of others? All of that stuff matters.....and it speaks volumes.

Abraham Lincoln noted that "actions speak louder than words." Even his words, among the most eloquent in political history, would not have been effective if his life had contradicted his words. We don't have to be high profile, in the spotlight, or in a noteworthy position, but we do have to live in such a way that our life illustrates our faith. And our faith is best spoken by our actions.

Excellence is a biblical imperative: "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (Titus 2:7)

Little and big eyes are watching us daily. Our lives represent a BOOK of manners, courtesy, honor, integrity and character that others need to see and become. What does your book look like?

Happy Birthday, My Love!

September 12th -- the day this beautiful, loving, compassionate and caring man, Ronald Jonathan David Wuerch, was born -- 67 years ago. To have known this man would have been an honor, but to have loved and been loved by him was the greatest joy and blessing that God could have ever given me. I celebrate him today in the greatest way I can by carrying on his heart and passion for helping people and making a positive impact on their lives. And now, what an absolute tribute to his legacy as I see our son, Ryan, and daughter, Staci, stepping up and carrying on his passion for people -- changing and bettering lives and making a difference in this world. We celebrate you today, my Love, here, while you are having a birthday celebration beyond compare in heaven!